Page 100 of Shining Knight
The duke placed Eugenia’s hand in his and looked at Graham. “I could not be more pleased that you chose each other.” Then he leaned over and kissed his sister on the cheek before taking his seat next to his duchess.
Graham squeezed Eugenia’s hand as she stepped near him. “I am sorry.”
“Everything is well?” he asked.
“You would not believe it if I told you. Thank you for the beautiful gifts.”
“I wanted today to be perfect for you,” he answered.
“Shall we begin?” Edmund asked, looking very amused.
“Oh, yes, of course!” Eugenia said, smiling brilliantly at her brother.
Graham heard the words which had been spoken for ages, and of course, they now held new meaning since their significance finally applied to him. He could not help but watch Eugenia in her bright blue gown that was covered in snowflakes and sparkled in the light from the windows and the candles around the chapel. He could not imagine any other lady of his acquaintance wearing such a garment, but for her, it was perfect. Her own light was shining brightly that day and it felt perfect when they both spoke their vows to love, honor, and cherish. He did not think that would be a hardship for either of them.
They partook of Holy Communion and Edmund prayed over them before they signed the register, then were pronounced man and wife.
Graham looked at Eugenia, who sparkled without the help of any jewelry, or her magnificent gown. This was right and felt blessed by God.
They passed back down the small aisle of the church, greeting everyone as they went. When they reached the outer door, he stole a quick kiss before wrapping her in a fur-lined cloak. They stepped outside and Eugenia gasped.
“It is snowing!” She turned her face up to catch some large flakes and laughed with joy. “Could anything have made this day more perfect?”
Graham could think of quite a few things, but he only smiled at his beautiful wife.
“Not that I did not love the snowflakes in the church and your waistcoat. I truly do not deserve you, but selfishly, I am glad you are shackled to me.”
The carriage, which had been decorated with ribbons and flowers, pulled up in front of them and they walked towards it, being showered with seed from the villagers who had not been inside the church.
As they reached the carriage, they tossed coins back to the crowd, as was tradition, and waved as they climbed inside and pulled away.
He seated himself beside her as they drove back to The Grange for the wedding breakfast, and pulled her into his arms.
“Will you tell me now why you were late?” he asked while nuzzling her ear.
“It had to do with my headdress. I know that is difficult to imagine.”
“You did not want to wear the parure I sent?”
“I did not have it at first. Barnes became distracted and forgot to send it up to my chambers.”
It had not occurred to Graham that he should have delivered it himself to one of the brothers. “Go on.”
“I had the milliner make me a pretty little head-piece of lace, spangles and blue ribbon. However, as Rowley and I were climbing into the coach, a bird flew overhead…”
Graham laughed. It could only happen to Eugenia. “Perhaps you should start a new trend, where ladies don’t wear bonnets.”
“Perhaps. Thankfully, the… excrement… was only on the head-piece, and Barnes remembered you had sent over the box of jewels. Stevens had not yet left for the church and was able to exchange the ruined headdress for your tiara.”
Graham was shaking with laughter.
She hit him affectionately.
“You must admit your head-pieces are quite the disaster. I am only sorry I did not witness this one.”
“There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy all my mishaps,” she assured him, “but we have only a few minutes before we reach the house.” Suggestively, she raised her eyebrows at him. She had never quite mastered the knack of raising a single eyebrow like the other Knights.
“Why, Mrs. Tinsley, are you suggesting I compromise you?”
“I am wholly, completely yours to do with as you wish.”
“Then I am happy to oblige you, ma’am.”
